Long queues at black market as fuel scarcity worsens in Sokoto

There have been long queues at black marketers’ stands in many parts of Sokoto State as fuel scarcity worsens.

Our reporter, who went round the state’s metropolis on Friday, observed that many filling stations were under lock and key with the exception of few who were selling between N900 and N1000 per litre.

According to our correspondent’s findings, a gallon (5 litres) of fuel was sold in the state for N6000 at black market.

“I bought a half gallon at the cost of N3000 at the black market stand after following a long queue.

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“I don’t know where this country is heading. This government is anti-masses,” a commercial motorcyclist said.

Another motorcyclist, Zayyanu Shehu, said he bought five litres of fuel for N6000.

“And I learnt that it is N7000 in some places,” he added.

A commercial tricyclist, Abdullahi, said, “The situation is forcing me to close around noon time because I cannot be on the queue for hours and buy a litre at N1000.”

The situation has also driven transport fares, according to commuters.

“This morning I was going to Gidan Fulani which is few metres away from my place. Before it took me just N50 or at most N70 but I had to pay N200 today (Friday),” he said

The Public Relations Officer of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Sokoto State chapter, Alhaji Nasiru Aliyu Gidan Kanawa, attributed the scarcity to the lack of fuel in depots across the country.

“There is no PMS in Warri Depot, in Porthacourt depot and in Lagos depot. We have our members who sent money for 10 trucks but have not got one.

“You cannot get fuel in depot owned by major marketers like AA Rano, Danmarian, Matrix and Zamson depots. All that you have been hearing from NNPCL are lies,” he said.

The NNPCL had blamed the fuel scarcity on logistic issues which it said had been resolved.